'Levaquin' an antibiotic to stay away from it

[catson4]

I was prescribed "LEVAQUIN" an anti-biotic medication for a lung infection that I had. ONE side effect is that Levaquin can attack the Achilies Tendons.

YUP! you guessed it. It attacked mine. I now have an 80 to 90% tear in my left achilies after only 2 pills ( one a day)( they each cost $25.00)
So now I am in a lower leg cast for the next 8 to 12 weeks. Hopefully this cast will allow the remaing 10 -20% that is still attached to hold every thing in place so the torn parts can mend themselves. I will know in 2 weeks. If now sign of healing then, surgery and a LOOOONG rehab time.

All of my other main tendons are sore and as I was told today by the doctors that thiey are "softened" by the Levaquin.

If you are prescribed this stuff,I would say to ask questions about it . I did not and now am sorry I did not.

This is only my experience and NOT A MEDICAL OPPINION or medical advice.

Just what happened to me.

JMHO, as I always say.

[soldiermedic]

To my understanding, several fluoroquinolones (the drug family of Cipro, and Levaquin) cause spontaneous rupture of the Achilles tendon. It's pretty uncommon, and sorry you had to experience it.

Steve

[Lily&Me]

Sorry to hear of your injury. How bizarre that an antibiotic could cause this. While laid up myself after surgical repair of a torn cartilage in my knee, I have been seeing ads on TV about this drug, its' dangers and possible legal action against the drug company.

[Robbie R.]

I was on it for 30 or so days and it took me a year to get over it and I still have problems with my legs.

Robbie R.

[ArtStream]

Claude,

So sorry to hear about your reaction to Levaquin

Thanks for passing your experience with this drug along.

Wishing you a speedy recovery

[Astroboy]

Taking a medication, and its side effect makes your tendon and ligaments soft and susceptible to tear..., wow, scary.

[Chuck]

funny...I hadn't heard of this, until today. Then after reading this thread, I also saw an "ambulance-chaser" ad on tv on the same subject.

[catson4]

Soldiermedic, I did not know about this family of drugs befor this but do now. A little late but oh well..

Chuck, I guess I do not watch enough TV. But then when I do I do not payany attention to the ads. Guess maybe I should start watchin'. ...

But now I will just keep on getting up each morning on the right side of the grass and enjoying the day I get.

[Stefrobrts]

That's horrible Claude, I hope you recover quickly